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What is a Brown Sugar Body Scrub?

N. Phipps
N. Phipps

Body scrubs are often used as exfoliates. These are commonly used for scrubbing off dead skin cells to make skin look and feel smoother. While using body scrubs regularly provides greater results, their use is especially helpful during winter when the skin becomes more prone to drying. There are many types of body scrubs available; however, the brown sugar body scrub is one of the most popular.

Sugar scrubs are typically considered gentler than those made from salt. They have numerous benefits both physically and chemically. Sugar scrubs contain glycolic acid, which is crucial for healthy skin and protection against harmful toxins. These scrubs are also thought to increase circulation when they are applied in a circular motion.

Brown sugar.
Brown sugar.

Sugar scrubs do not clog pores but instead protect against moisture loss. They help eliminate blemishes and can have a relaxing effect. This is especially true when using a brown sugar body scrub due to its delightful fragrance. Brown sugar, which is full of molasses, has a soothing aroma that encourages relaxation. Brown sugar also contains smaller grains than white sugar, making it gentler and ideal for those with sensitive skin.

Oil from the safflower plant, which contains vitamin E, makes a good base for a sugar body scrub.
Oil from the safflower plant, which contains vitamin E, makes a good base for a sugar body scrub.

As most spa body scrubs can be expensive, it’s more economical to make your own brown sugar body scrub. In addition to being more cost-effective, brown sugar scrubs are easy to create. There are a number of brown sugar scrub recipes available. However, they can easily be customized to suit nearly any taste.

Some homemade recipes use a combination of both white and brown sugar; this is simply a matter of taste. While most recipes require some type of oil or honey to help with paste formation, experimentation is recommended, especially since different people's skin responds differently to various oils. Some examples include coconut oil, avocado oil, olive oil, safflower oil, vegetable oil, and liquid soap. Fragrant oils can also be used to add to the brown sugar body scrub aroma; these oils may include anything from vanilla fragrance oil to grapefruit, peppermint, and lavender essential oils. Add just enough oil to moisten the sugar.

Some people also like to add oatmeal, which is not only hypoallergenic but great for those with oily skin. Others include aloe vera gel to help speed up healing for severely chapped or dry skin. Still others prefer to add lemon, which not only adds to the aroma but is also a natural disinfectant.

For those choosing to add natural fruit or dairy products in their brown sugar body scrub recipes, it’s probably best to refrigerate the product. Otherwise, storing in airtight containers at room temperature is sufficient. Small canning jars or empty baby food jars are low-cost ideas. Brown sugar scrubs also make great gifts. Simply add a decorative ribbon and gift tag to the jar.

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    • Brown sugar.
      By: HLPhoto
      Brown sugar.
    • Oil from the safflower plant, which contains vitamin E, makes a good base for a sugar body scrub.
      By: Tamara Kulikova
      Oil from the safflower plant, which contains vitamin E, makes a good base for a sugar body scrub.